Admin. Nukes Additional Microwaves Possibility

OPINION || By Alicia Pollard, staff writer

Senior Matt Kolton heats up his lunch this week before the lunch rush started.

In light of Sturgis’ open lunch policy, the school has provided four microwaves for students who bring lunch from home. However, the number of microwaves and their working conditions leave many students stuck waiting in a long line or eating lunch cold.

“The ratio of students to microwaves...it’s not even possible,” said Anna Campbell, a junior at East.

The ratio of four microwaves to 400 students (not counting those who buy) already felt insufficient, but with two of the microwaves not working in September for a bit, the wait grew that much longer.

“[If only we] had a designated area were there was like six different microwaves or something...It’d be more functional,” said Kayla Proctor, a junior at East.

Despite the frustration, students will have to wait longer to have that Hot Pocket hot, according to Sturgis administration.

“There is no immediate plan to buy microwaves,” said Mr. Jim Albrecht, director of operations. “The money is not in the budget this year.”

Though this is a minor issue in the administration’s priorities, especially as the school district expands, it shows how important it is for students to communicate their concerns to the administration. When considering this opinion, I discovered that when I went to Mr. Joe Bradley, the assistant of operations, and Mr. Jay Finbeiner, the custodian, no one had told them about the two non-operational microwaves.

Once informed, Finbeiner was able to fix both of the malfunctioning microwaves almost immediately.

It is the school’s responsibility to ensure that school facilities are functional and suits student’s needs. Also, it is the student body’s responsibility to notify the administration with any problems concerning school property.

Perhaps the issue of microwaves for student convenience can be addressed in other ways - for instance, why not ask the Student Parent Association (SPA) if it can help out. Two microwaves would cost less than $100 but it would provide far more value by reducing students’ waiting time.